Ash, of the Green Eyed Monster sister-duo, recently received her Masters degree in Art/Curatorial Practices in the Public Sphere, which is just a fancy-pants way of saying that she is interested in public arts practice. As part of her program, she interned with the curatorial department at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) in North Adams, Massachusetts. Here she spent many a lunch break wandering the halls of the museum’s three-story retrospective of Sol LeWitt’s wall drawings, and found herself continually inspired by the “father of conceptual art.” Ash now lives permanently in the Berkshires and finds LeWitt’s influence inspires her at the most unexpected moments — say, for example, when she’s curating her blog, Monster Bites. Today she shares that inspiration with all of you.
To view the three-story retrospective of Sol LeWitt’s wall drawings, you must make your way through a renovated 19th-century mill building, complete with bare brick walls, exposed piping, and even a low-ceilinged steel bridge or two. After navigating these historic passageways, you are assaulted with bold, unapologetic color, obsessive, tedious scribbles, and repetitive, all-consuming patterns that loom above your head and expand before your eyes into the halls of the exhibition space.
It’s an affront to the senses. It’s awe-inspiring. And it’s been known to garner a “Hey, wait, I could do that.” LeWitt’s use of geometric shapes and patterns, while mesmerizing when displayed on such a grand scale, are primarily simple, basic forms that can be executed by anyone’s hand.
But these forms are not the heart of his practice. The idea, the moment before pencil or paint hits the wall, is the essence of his work. The core of his practice is not in the execution but in the concept. His instructions, which detail the meticulous plans and vision for each drawing, are then executed by draftsman, by a hand other than the artist himself.
This kind of universality, the ability for anyone of any training or background to follow and create a piece of art envisioned by a man who today is considered a revolutionary figure within the art historical canon, is why LeWitt’s practice is a prime example of the power of art in the public sphere. The wall drawings cannot be possessed. One cannot pocket the grids of color and rows of graphite. But everyone can “own” a LeWitt by understanding the concept. His practice is accessible in a way that empowers everyone to take up the hand of the artist and create these deceptively simple yet stunning wall drawings.
“Since art is a vehicle for the transmission of ideas through form, the reproduction of the form only reinforces the concept. It is the idea that is being reproduced. Anyone who understands the work of art owns it. We all own the Mona Lisa.” – Sol LeWitt
As you wander the floors of the retrospective, arranged chronologically from 1968 to 2007 (the year of the artist’s death), you move through the growth and expansion of LeWitt’s practice, and experience 105 visual examples of this trajectory. Your stomach turns at the painstaking detail of thousands of vertical pencil lines not touching. Your eyes blur and squint at the affront of neon orange and green undulating across the wall. Your hand aches at the density of the graphite scribbles. You’re transported back to a childhood filled with pages of Dr. Seuss and afternoons of Candyland.
Walking through the exhibit is a full-bodied sensory experience that leaves me dreaming of a home filled with blank walls on which I can recreate these astonishing and magnetic designs. Talk about a great DIY home redesign.
I now see LeWitt’s patterns, shapes, and intense use of color in my everyday life. As I peruse the pages of Etsy I am struck by these basic forms and concepts in so many of the designs and handmade creations that I encounter. LeWitt’s famous words to artist Eva Hesse resonate in my thoughts: “Don’t worry about cool. Make your own uncool.” Every member of the Etsy community is doing just that: making, creating, and building their own world and aesthetic that transcends mainstream definitions of what is hip or trendy.
LeWitt would approve.
The exhibit is on view for twenty-five years, thus you have twenty-two years and counting to make the trip to the Northern Berkshires to experience the retrospective in person, as it should be. More information is available on the exhibition website. If you love LeWitt‘s work but don’t have the wall space to recreate one in your home, you can grab free desktop and Twitter backgrounds Ash created and give your computer a digital redesign.
For more information on the surrounding area, Ash has written an Indie Guide to the Northern Berkshires available here. You also can find Ash writing daily at Green Eyed Monster and her personal blog, Blog a la Cart. Follow Green Eyed Monster on Twitter and on Facebook.
All photos by Kevin Kennefick for MASSMoca
More Posts on Public Art | Artistic Endeavors Series | Art Category
108 comments
Sign in to add your ownallthepreciousthings says:
The "uncool" quickly becomes cool on Etsy!
1 year ago
chinadoodle says:
was there for WILCOs Solid sound fest. Loved the LeWitt drawings.
1 year ago
Pinkpjs says:
I'd love to do that in my home - just in all shades of PINK!
1 year ago
LabyrinthLeather says:
Ooooh - that does play with your senses doesn't it =:) Great job!
1 year ago
fieldtrip says:
great message and i'm digging this art!!
1 year ago
dafnadagan says:
fantastic :)
1 year ago
LeafandInk says:
Talk about a 'full-bodied sensory experience'...NO KIDDING! I have done murals for gifts and within my own home also. It is incredible the feeling of having super size art surrounding you. A wonderful way to live! LeafandInk.com
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
the scale transforms the gorgeous patterns.
1 year ago
TipsyTimeMachine says:
A friend of mine painted every wall and ceiling of her apartment a different colour(so a room would have 5 different colours). It was an ongoing project to find colours that worked together, she was constantly going to the paint store and repainting walls that just weren't right.
1 year ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
I wish I had each of the rooms in my home painted with such color and energy! Awesome. Loved the article.
1 year ago
VogueVixens says:
I remember seeing an exhibition of large simple colour canvases many years ago...at first it seemed too simple but I found myself sinking into a colour, the longer I looked at it.
1 year ago
polkadotmagpie says:
Sol is a man of men. I remember the first time I saw his work at MOCA in Chicago. You're right, it's everywhere!
1 year ago
HornCatCreations says:
This art is so fantastic! I love the really colourful pieces especially!
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Sol Witt is a far reaching artist. He has his art in New London,CT. and is from this region. I love his vibrant colors!
1 year ago
abstractartgallery says:
I like these murals, good stuff.
1 year ago
ZOEYSVINTAGE says:
WHAT AMAZING ART.....SO VIBRANT.
1 year ago
VivaGailBeads says:
dizzingly beautiful...
1 year ago
ArtistBeingHuman says:
makes for a strong sensory impact
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Such a great and beautiful art ! and thanks so much my STOCKHOLM bag already here :))
1 year ago
SewMuchMoreDecor says:
I love it, I already have so many ideas for my own studio walls! Thanks for sharing, very inspiring!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
:)ENVIable ideas! Ash & Kimmy ,super idea , thanks for your time !
1 year ago
wahlrus says:
I wish I had a huge house so I could fill it with these awesome things! Great finds! etsyLove from, Jamie
1 year ago
bluewhitejewelrywear says:
How colorful!! I love the Mondrian quilt!
1 year ago
IStandConnected says:
Spectacular Article and Photos. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for murals. Thanks!
1 year ago
kissadesign says:
Neat! I love all the color!
1 year ago
TripleGemini says:
Nice post.
1 year ago
MaiharDesign says:
Very cool. I love the black and white walls. I would love a large wall-to-wall canvas with a black/white motif. So many home decor ideas...one day! :)
1 year ago
rarebeasts says:
Cool stuff, it would be great to spend your lunch breaks wondering around such a place. One day world, one day!
1 year ago
jadjusjewelry says:
Oh wow!!! Very creative. I love wall designs.
1 year ago
BellaPuzzles says:
Pure eye candy. I loved this post.
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
COOL finds : )
1 year ago
rozzie says:
Amazing, I love it! I love how it makes you move around the piece. The scale is great!
1 year ago
Tias says:
Fab decorations! Hmmm, giving me ideas, I have one plain wall in the kitchen...;)
1 year ago
LuRuUniques says:
This is really cool and very creative. Sure is better than plain walls!!!
1 year ago
moonstr says:
loves!
1 year ago
sonyarasi says:
I've had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Lewitt years ago. Wow! I've never seen his wall art. It's amazing!
1 year ago
RomanceCatsAndWhimsy says:
Eye popping color! Love it!
1 year ago
necklush says:
the folks at green eyed monster are very nice peeps! thanks for sharing...:)
1 year ago
monkeyminddesign09 says:
Reminds me of our fabulous Pop-up store in Denver... we've got cool walls like that!
1 year ago
GreatestJoyDesigns says:
"Every member of the Etsy community is doing just that: making, creating, and building their own world." I fight with the idea that I am an artist because I can't do "art" like..... but I am. Thank you for the article and thank you Etsy for the platform.
1 year ago
unflappableproducts says:
Visit the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford CT to see more of his work. It is in an interesting location at the museum.
1 year ago
karenjcreations says:
Love it!
1 year ago
akcArt says:
Super article! What a place! Love all the colors!
1 year ago
Krystyna81 says:
There is currently a Sol LeWitt drawing being executed at the Albright Knox Art Gallery...accross from Buffalo State College...where I earned my BFA in Art. We were so lucky to have that World Class Art Museum accross the street! http://www.albrightknox.org/
1 year ago
gretchenmist says:
great piece! off to check out your blog :)
1 year ago
junkyardglitter says:
I am a mural artist by day and I know how hard this kind of art is. Very cool!
1 year ago
TwistedRiverClay says:
Great blog and artwork - Thanks
1 year ago
SarahJohnAfana says:
I'm a fan and have been for years...gotta find a way to make it over from Cali to see such an impressive display.
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Wow! The colors are wonderful! Amazing talent! MegansMenagerie.etsy.com
1 year ago
VelveteenHabbit says:
I'm feeling LeWittish......gotta go paint the walls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 year ago
VedaArts says:
i love the colors!
1 year ago
RaiseYourFist says:
WOW! LeWitt can come paint all my rooms anyday! I love bright geometric and abstract designs!
1 year ago
studiokmo says:
Sol LeWitt is one of my favorites!
1 year ago
deetsy says:
fantastic! i want to see them in person. Even in miniature they play tricks on your eyes, it must be amazing to be immersed in.
1 year ago
PatinaMinerals says:
This is awesome! Thank you for including my 7pc Rock It Mineral Pigment Sample Kit!!
1 year ago
polkadotshop says:
Love all of the colors and abstract designs!!
1 year ago
tagyouritbykari says:
love those patterns in my clothes. i think my front hall is calling for some graphic statements now, a great use for all those sample quarts in my garage.
1 year ago
1AEON says:
amazing!! love it! my wall looks crazy too as you walk in..
1 year ago
InvisibleFountain says:
yes
1 year ago
LizzyJD says:
LOVE sol lewitt's work; i recently went to dia beacon where i saw many of his wall drawings. its so great to see such large=scale works in person. and i just have to post these earrings i made a couple months ago: http://www.etsy.com/listing/50496835/geometric-grid-earrings
1 year ago
bedbuggs says:
Very Cool! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
ParkandBuzz says:
super fun! thank you
1 year ago
lorenabr says:
Love art and these pieces are amazing!
1 year ago
KMalinka says:
Beautiful color!
1 year ago
ElizabethOHara says:
Thank you for such a wonderful post about Sol LeWitt - and for a really well articulated group of items and shops!
1 year ago
PiacereMioPaperie says:
Colors are eye catching!
1 year ago
nowonder says:
So So cool!
1 year ago
designMatter says:
What colors!!!! Lovable!!!
1 year ago
redemptionart says:
Suess and afternoons of Candyland...totally!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Such bold dramatic uses of colour make for quite a statement! Fabulous : )
1 year ago
jenmaestre says:
So let me get this straight- if I say "could make that" he wouldn't be insulted and accuse me of copying? (I guess he is RIP, so maybe he wouldn't care, anyway)
1 year ago
sweetjane says:
Thanks for the education. VERY interesting and different.
1 year ago
tomatored says:
Fantastic! so graphic!
1 year ago
doingitherself says:
Thanks for the article, his work is also on display at the DIA Beacon, in Beacon New York. (He also has a piece at the Syracuse University Community Darkrooms.) Love this blog post, thanks for infusing some art appreciation into our day.
1 year ago
Sugarshoxcrafts says:
I love the quote "Make your own uncool". I think if more people were open and free-thinking enough to accept this "be yourself" philosophy, we'd really live in a better world. The Albright Knox Art Gallery in my city is also going to have a Sol DeWitt exhibit--gotta see it! They are having artists make a huge painting of scribbles on the one wall. Seeing this really makes me want to show little kids this philosophy too. Even they can get in on the fun!
1 year ago
MoonDanceTextiles says:
love the grand scale of art-on-wall...really appreciate LeWitt's take on other people reproducing his art; that doing so "reinforces the concept"...I don't see how we, artists/crafters, cannot influence each other's work to some degree...sometimes I think that creative people get a little too "territorial" with regards to the originality of their work...sharing and inspiring each other is a fine thing...
1 year ago
galeriaVarte says:
Cool, cool, cool!!!!
1 year ago
PoisonGarden says:
Wow that is neat!
1 year ago
pibbles says:
Gorgeous color!
1 year ago
TheNightjar says:
nice post...maybe "anyone" can do it but not just anyone can think about doing it : )
1 year ago
klacustomcreations says:
simply fabulous!
1 year ago
strawberryluna says:
Wow, how awesome. MASS MoCA is always up to something rad. I hope to make it there in person someday. Right on LeWitt!
1 year ago
ezrascousin says:
Very inspiring. Nice work...
1 year ago
LizzieLuna says:
Great work..the colors are beautiful
1 year ago
jojolarue says:
I saw this a couple years ago- very cool. or uncool as he would say.
1 year ago
ThePaperButton says:
love it! Just learning about all this in my Contemporary Art History class
1 year ago
MagicMarkingsArt says:
love the art history lesson from a curators point of view - and LeWitt's interpretation of artistic knowledge and sharing. really enjoyed this article and the color that comes with it!
1 year ago
julessabjewelry says:
Some of those make me feel dizzy! I guess art is really supposed to move you. Love the art history lesson.
1 year ago
dragonflymystdesigns says:
So cool!! I love the colors and the energy!!
1 year ago
kerenasaf says:
wow! sends your mind out there. to me its pretty and relaxing. great stuff
1 year ago
ElvenWreathsJewelry says:
love the geometrics!!
1 year ago
recycledwares says:
i could imagine one of my rooms painted like that. Then add really simple and solid colored furniture with geometric shapes. yummy.
1 year ago
michellearnold says:
This is great -- will definitely have to make the trip out there some time this decade... (or next!)
1 year ago
LittleCutieCakes says:
Love, love, love all the color!
1 year ago
TheJoyofColor says:
Thank you so much for the fantastic report He is one of my fav artist, glad they will keep thte exhbition for so many years maybe i'll have a chance to see it if i'll visit the US
1 year ago
KristyLynnJewelry says:
Great colors and shape!!
1 year ago
luckyduct says:
im getting married in that exhibit!!
1 year ago
cottonjens says:
MB, gratitude for bringing Lewitt to my awareness! your article is so interesting and photos amazing. Note: would love more of this type of food for artistic soul. took my breath away. all I want to know: where is the West Coast exhibit???!!! ciao gia
1 year ago
TrashTurnedTreasure says:
Reminds me of my sitting room - the one I'm in now. The top third of the wall I'm looking at is a bright, vivid, high-gloss purple. The middle third is a bright, vivid lime green - the left side has a large purple diamond pattern, the middle section of this large green horizontal stripe has purple bubbles and a sort of fire hose pattern, and the far right has just the plain green. The bottom third is the same purple as the top. The wall to my left is the high gloss royal purple with a large green diamond and the wall to my right is purple with a broad green stripe. The wall behind me is simmilr to the wall in front of me bit with different purple patterns in the green. You would not BELIEVE the fight I had with the hardware store - "Are you SURE you want these vivid colours?" and "You really don't want high gloss, you know" and a whole lot of condescension. But my sitting room is gorgeous, and while it sounds complicated and confusing, the room is an odd shape and the patterns work really well. Remind me to tell you about the floor-to-ceiling coral reef I painted in my master bathroom someday - oh, and my zebra-striped hallway floor, and the flagstones I painted on the floor of my great room because I couldn't afford tile and the terrazo was all stained and horrible.....
1 year ago
elisemahan says:
Used to walk by a sol lewitt wall drawing on my way to class at SFSU, it was always a beautiful experience to be close to such detail, every time i would see some new aspect of the drawing. thanks for the great post!
1 year ago
Arva says:
Super colorful picks !
1 year ago
karlikanehendrickson says:
So happy to see this! I interned at MASS MoCA for the installation of the LeWitt Retrospective. It was amazing to work with such amazing artist and learn the process and steps that go in to a single wall drawing. The photos bring back many memories!
1 year ago
btaylorquilts says:
LeWitt's wall drawings at Mass MoCA are amazing. Anyone can recreate them on their own walls by simply following his written instructions. If you can make the trip to MoCA, do so!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Yay for geometry :)
1 year ago
catiques says:
Love the designs and color. Unique!
1 year ago
LeapARTandVintage says:
Wow! Huge!! I love "Dr. Seuss and afternoons of Candy Land"! that's my childhood! Thanks, inspirational
1 year ago
MoranArtandQuilts says:
Awesome work! I'd love to see it in person.
1 year ago
RouDesigns says:
Very INSPIRING!
1 year ago